Yazidi women, largely persecuted by Islamic state (Isis) in occupied areas, hold signs during demonstration against the attacks of IS in Iraq in front of the European Parliament at the Luxembourg square in BrusselsGetty Images

The prize was first awarded in 1979 and aims to recognise people's efforts to make meaningful positive changes. Zakir Naik received it along with four other people during a ceremony in a hotel in Riyadh.

Naik is president of the Islamic Research Foundation. He also founded the Peace TV channel where, in 2008, he declared the 9/11 attacks were not carried out by terror group al-Qaeda as it was "an inside job".

During his acceptance speech, Naik announced he would donate his entire monetary award of SR750,000 (£129,999, $200,000) to his channel, according to the Saudi Gazette. Naik also said the prize would be an "incentive for me to complete what I have started".

The Indian cleric has previously sparked worldwide outrage for publicly advocating capital punishment for homosexuals and people who renounce Islam. He also said husbands can beat their women with moderation and called for India to be ruled by Sharia law.